USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > A Century of history of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana : with sketches of it's [sic] pastors, officers, and prominent members and reminiscences of early times > Part 2
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The Episcopalians, who had heretofore been members of the society, formed one of their own and the funds on hand at the time were divided with them.
These were the days of small things. There was very little money in the country at that time. Trade was carried on in a great measure by barter. While no one suffered from want, the "picayunes" were very scarce, and people paid their debts in what they had, if it happened to be any- thing the creditor needed or could dispose of to advantage. For instance, a person would take his pay in hoop-iron, sell it for churns and swap the churns for groceries. Every one had his own garden and raised his own fowls and meat, and then families who raised more vegetables, poultry and grain
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or had more butter or lard than they could use, would join together and load a flat-boat for New Orleans, and after a long, tedious voyage of the boat they would have coffee, su- gar and molasses returned to them for what they had sent. A comfortable living was thus secured, although luxuries were scarce.
The most serious inconvenience the people suffered was the want of good water, the river water being all that could be obtained till 1835, when the first cistern was built by Mr. Ira French, who had bought the patent-right to build cis- terns in this county. The cistern was built for Mr. John Shanklin and held 200 barrels of water, which was consider- ed the greatest luxury ever known in the place.
Before this time the water for drinking and cooking purposes was kept in jars in the cellar to cool and settle. No ice or beer was to be had then either, and no one felt the need of the latter.
These last few items are mentioned to show the great changes that have taken place in Evansville since that time, also why it seemed a much greater undertaking to build a church then than it does now. One of our citizens gives more now as one subscription than the whole cost of this first Presbyterian Church.
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CHAPTER V.
REV. CALVIN BUTLER.
The first Pastor of the First Church in Evansville.
In Chester, Pt., on August 23d, 1827, the Rev. Calvin Butler was married to Miss Malvina French, and soon after started as a missionary to a home in the West. Mr. Butler had finished a College course at Middlebury, Vt., and gradu- ated in Theology at Andover, Mass., Theological Seminary. He was a thorough scholar, reading and translating seven different languages, for which he found but little use in this new country, where even the English language, as then spo- ken in this region, was almost a new dialect to an educated person. He was a man of uncommon energy and ability to surmount obstacles. When we think of the hardships en- dured by the early ministers in the West, the anxiety they must have suffered, and compare their lives with those of the more fortunate ministers of the present day, we may truly think of the latter that "their lines have fallen to them in pleasant places," and that they are "carried to the skies on flowery beds of ease."
At the time Mr. Butler came to the West there was no public conveyance and no regular stage routes in the direc- tion he wished to come, so he and his wife were obliged to make the journey in a carriage of their own, bringing their baggage with them, which consisted of only their clothing and a library of valuable books, which, through much tribu- lation, they managed to bring safely. The journey occupied nine weeks and some parts of it was through forests where the trees were only blazed to show the way, as there was not travel enough to make a road, and often they were oblig- ed to hew their way through the forests where the trees had been blown down across the road, which rendered it impassable. Reared amid the comforts and luxuries of a New England home, the wife of this missionary had known nothing of hardships, but bravely she bore the trip. She was known to say that she shed tears but once in all these
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vonthun tien
Rev. Calvin Butler.
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long nine weeks, which the journey occupied, and that was once when her husband was chopping the way through the woods. It was growing late and the fear of not reaching a place of safety before dark made her nervous, as at that time, the forests were not safe from wild beasts.
The field of labor to which Mr. Butler was appointed on his first coming to the West comprised the two towns of Vincennes and Princeton, preaching alternately every two weeks at one of these places. His residence being at Princeton he was obliged to make the trip to Vincennes on horseback through all kinds of bad weather and bad roads such as are found in new countries. He belonged to the Vin- cennes Presbytery, and after preaching for three years in the above named places he was appointed by that body to preach in Evansville, to which place he removed with his family. He bought a small tract of land, about twelve acres, one mile from the center of town on the Princeton road, where the first County asylum was afterward built, and with his own hands, almost entirely, he erected for himself a comfortable house. With cultivating his few acres of land, keeping his own cow and poultry he managed with a very small salary from the Missionary society and very slim con- tributions from the people, to make a comfortable living.
Mr. Butler seemed particularly adapted to the position in the new country, of establishing and encouraging church- es in whatever new field he labored. He was cheerful and hopeful under all discouragements that came in his way. He was never known to make an engagement that was not promptly fulfilled, and he spent hours in labor while others were taking their ease. Industrious habits and punctual- ity were strong features in his character. He educated one of his sons at Crawfordsville College, Hon. John M. Butler, of Indianapolis. He had also another son, Anson R. Butler, who lives in De Witt, Iowa.
In 1834 Mr. Butler was appointed to take charge of a church at Washington, Ind., to which place he removed, and to his clerical duties he added thoseof a school he es- tablished, which at that time was considered the best in the state. He was much beloved and respected by his church and congregation. A few years later he moved to Boon- ville, Warrick County, Indiana, where he also did a good work. From this place his excellent and lovely wife was called to a better home. Her life had been all that a Chris- tian's should be, kind and gentle, desiring more the comfort and pleasure of those around her than her own, visiting the
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sick, bringing words of consolation to the afflicted, cheering every one with her presence wherever she went; a pure and useful life was exchanged for a blessed immortality.
Mr. Butler, in due course of time, formed a union with another excellent woman, Miss Catherine Smith, of Boon- ville, and with his family removed again to a place without a church, a small town not far from St. Louis, where his last work was to assist in establishing a church. After ten more years of faithful and successful service he passed to his re- ward.
REV. MR. M'AFEE.
After the year 1834 the church enjoyed, temporarily, the preaching of Rev. Mr. McAfee, who was at the same time laboring in Henderson, preaching there alternately every two weeks. He was a young man who had just en- tered the ministry. He preached excellent sermons, full of fire and pathos. Life was fresh and bright to him and the way to peace and happiness seemed easy and delightful. The experience of after years may have made a change in his views. He may have found that there were obstacles in the way of a perfect life of which he had never dreamed, and perhaps he found some system of theology by which these obstacles could be overcome. But a knowledge of his his- tory closed when his labors here ended. He seemed a de- vout Christian, was a pleasant social companion and was highly esteemed as a minister of the gospel. His home was Elkton, Ky., and all efforts to hear from him have proven futile. He has probably fulfilled his life's mission and "rests from his labors." More than fifty years have elapsed since he was in Evansville and it is doubtful if any- one but the writer now remembers him. Will any one re- member those of us who are now here, fifty years hence?
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CHAPTER VI.
It will give the reader great pleasure to find an account of the pastorate of the second minister of this church in his own words. The days of his life having been prolonged more than a decade past the "three-score years and ten," being at this time 82 years of age, a hearty, well preserved man, vigorous in intellect and a living example of one who has kept the commands of God, to whom the promise was given. "that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God hath given thee."
REV. JEREMIAH R. BARNES.
"In the fall of 1836 I landed with my wife in Evans- ville, to spend the Sabbath, not knowing any one or whether we should find preaching there. We were on our way to Illinois to meet the expectations of a friend and supply an open field there. I preached on the Sabbath in the little brick church on the only hill in Evansville, about fifteen feet above the level, and then the only house of worship in the place, and indeed the only one nearer than Princeton, a distance of twenty miles. The most notable thing about this little church was the largeness of its windows, as if the light of the sun and the free breezes were to be its first if not its best endowment. The pulpit was a large dry goods box, behind which I stood; the seats without cushions and with only a stay for the shoulders, which were better cal- culated to keep the hearers awake than the preachers voice. The singing was more sincere and devout than artistic. But the people seemed bright and interested in my sermon and met me at the close of the services with cordiality and we were soon no longer strangers. Learning who we were and that we had come West to grow up with the people and do good as we found opportunity, they urged us to cast in our lot with them. The sisters soon gathered around my wife and found that she had to a large extent the chief glory of womanhood, the power to make warm friends and
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Rev. Jeremiah R. Barnes, in 1836.
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keep them. The simple sincerety of her piety, the largeness of her faith, together with her bright intelligence gained the confidence and co-operation of all.
"The place at that time was indulging in large expec- tations of growth and prosperity from the canal which was in progress and was to terminate there. The population at that date was supposed to be something over 2,000. The back country was good, heavily timbered but not well set- tled.
"There seemed to be lawyers and doctors enough for a large city, their range for practice was wide and all seemed to have enough to do, the roads in winter anything but in- viting. My first knowledge of corduroy roads was gained from one leading to Stringtown, which place had the ad- vantage of being on a hill and not in a valley, but not out of the mud, as the clay sub-soil found its way easily on top in wet weather and made the bootblack a desirable insti- tution.
"The cause of education was mostly in the hands of the good Elder Chute, who was for some years the chief, if not the only pedagogue. I was for some time the only resident minister except Brother Parrett and Brother Wheeler, lo- cal Methodist preachers, good Englishmen who did valu- able service in the early days. The little brick church had now become the gathering place for all denominations, who took turns in edifying the people. Brother Hunter, a Cum- berland Presbyterian minister was known as the chief "Son of Thunder," and when he came all felt the need of larger quarters. He was a grand camp meeting preacher and made the woods resound.
"It was not long before other denominations found places for regular worship and left us in full possession of the church. 'Old Aunt Jenny,' a slave from Virginia, was the sexton and the only colored person in the place. She did very well, only when the long stove pipe swayed out of line and sprung a leak then her white eyes and teeth showed her in trouble. The pulpit that followed the dry goods box was a primitive model and would bear all the pounding that Brother Hunter could give it and afforded a good deal of "stomping" ground. The Sunday school, after the varied experiences common to new places, fell into the hands of Brother Conrad Baker, and prospered fairly well.
"About the time of my coming to Evansville the strife and controversies between the old and new school in the Presbyterian church were at their height. As I had just come from New Haven I was suspected of the New School
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heresy. Some of the fathers in the Vincennes Presbytery took sides against me, and without any trial of my opinions, declared the pulpit at Evansville vacant and sent a brother to notify the church and order the trustees to turn me out. He came, was politely treated and when he had fulfilled his mission he left. The earthquake only induced a little smoke which soon passed away. The older members, those who had built the church and paid all that had been paid on it, still declared me their pastor-that my dismissal had been without a hearing and unconstitutional and that no change should be made, and directed the sexton to open the doors and I preached as usual. Whatever belief or doctrine I held to be true, the Trustees and Elders agreed that they corresponded with theirs, and the church was declared New School.
"The next season I went to the Salem Presbytery and was cordially received, and they sent a brother to install me in 1838. There were a few persons who had only been in the place a short time and joined the church, who held what were called Old School views who were dissatisfied with the state of things, and they in due time secured an organiza- tion of their own, which seemed at the time quite unneces- sary, but the rapid growth of the city has developed the fact that their services have been needed and that they have accomplished more good work than could have been done by one church alone however united. Since the action of the General Assembly we rejoice to feel that the chasm has dis- appeared across which the Old and New School shook hands. I had not been long in the city before I discovered many evidences that the laws of social morality had not been strictly regarded. The socialism and infidelity at New Har- mony had scattered the seeds of evil like thistle down into every neighborhood, and many of the most influential men of the region had given their example on the wrong side. I felt that the Gospel of the Seventh commandment was eminently needed to save the foundations of society and all the best interests of Christian civilization. I gave previous notice that I would preach on the subject. Many of my friends feared that I was stepping on a magazine that would let me down and destroy my influence. The house was crowded, but the women of the church were none of them present. The worst element of the place made a re- quest that I would preach the same sermon again the next Sabbath, and had planned to break up the meeting.
"I consented to preach. I went to some of the most in- fluential ladies and told them the cause was their cause and
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that I needed their presence and sanction. A goodly num- ber came the next Sabbath, and to a full house I repeated all I had said before and with greater force. There was not a ripple of disturbance, but profound attention to the end. Some were asked why they did not carry out their pro- gramme. They said "they did not see any place where they could begin." One of my best friends, a graduate of Yale College, said that if President Dwight were present to preach on such a subject he might do some good, but for a young man just from the Seminary it was a hazardous un- dertaking. But I concluded that as Dr. Dwight was not there and I was, duty called me to do the best I could. I felt that I could appeal safely to men who had enjoyed early religious training in other lands and to the scions of old Pu- ritan stock. I referred them to the dear homes that gave them birth, to protect the sacred honor of their family and give their influence and practice in favor of all that is noble and pure in life. I have always rejoiced that I had the faithfulness to speak the right word at the right time leav- ing all the results with God, which were, as far as known, very satisfactory. Other ministers echoed the trumpet I had sounded, and the best public opinion was henceforth on the side of social virtue.
"After our Methodist brethren had completed their church, the noted John Newland Maffit came and held a re- vival meeting. and by his eloquence gathered into their fold over two hundred, and in two years time there were but two persons who remained in the church, all having joined on probation, giving evidence of being true Christians by a bet- ter life, and it was seen that these persons had been regular attendants on divine worship and under bible instruction. The Cumberland brethern were devoted and full of zeal, and by their camp meetings and occassional preaching in town and at other places, had a measure of success.
"Brother Laman of the Episcopal church was a devoted Christian and soon succeeded in securing a good church and congregation. As population increased the cause of educa- tion became more important. Several good teachers had met with success. As my second wife had been a successful teacher in a Seminary, I was encouraged to build a house which would accomodate my little family and afford room for a school for young ladies. This was done, and my pupils will remember through life the gentle ways of their teacher, her earnest morals and religious instructions. It was a dif- ficult matter for her to take the place of the first Mrs. Barnes in the hearts of the people, but she did so and formed many life long friendships that will be renewed and
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grow brighter in heaven.
"In time Public schools were established which made private enterprise less important except in the depart- ments of higher education for which the Colleges and Sem- inaries of the land provide. It was always gratifying to us to feel that we were sowing the seed and laying foundations in our new and great country that God would sooner or later employ for His own glory and the triumph of his Kingdom. We had all the compensation we expected in the days of comparitively small things. I was settled on a salary of $600, which, though not fully paid, proved enough with hard work and economy to meet our necessities and left some property we bought at a low figure, which at the end of the nine years, when we left Evansville, had risen much in value. I have been rejoiced to hear from time to time of the Church, where I began my first labors, and of the growth of the city. Very few of my early friends and fellow -workers are left to thank God for what they see and to pray for greater things to come. But, Oh, the joy when we shall join the dear ones gone before! 'and see how the little one has become a thousand and a small one a strong na- tion.' "
The above account of the pastorate of the Rev. J. R. Barnes is full and preserves a record of some of the most important events that ever occured in the Church. His min- istry was very successful, turning the tide of public opinion decidedly against vice in all its forms and giving it a check it had never before received. Card playing and drinking had no longer any open defenders among those who indulged in these practices, and people were willing to listen to ser- mons against these evils.
Mr. Barnes was born in Southhampton, Conn., and was a graduate of Yale College, and studied for the ministry at the same College. Mrs. Barnes, who came to Evansville with her husband, lived only about a year after coming to the place and left one son, Charles S. Barnes, now of Chica- go, partner in the well known publishing house of A. S. Barnes & Co.
All that Mr. Barnes says of his wife is true, and much more that is good might be said. As she is remembered, she was a perfect type of excellence, combining all the good qualities of her who "sat at Jesus' feet," with the best traits of the sister "who was careful about many things," though the cares of life never gave her any trouble-the privations
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and inconveniences of a new country never disturbed her placid and happy disposition. Her duties, of which she had many, were all dilligently performed and seemed a pleasure to her. Her religion was of an exalted kind, she seemed to find Heaven upon earth, every act of her life savored of grace, and she was well prepared for the Heavenly home to which she was so soon to be called.
The building occupied as a Seminary which Mr. Barnes built, stood on the corner of Chestnut and Third, and is now occupied by Mrs. Gillison Maghee.
Leaving Evansville, Mr. Barnes, beloved and respect- ed by all who knew him, sought another field of labor in Minnesota, where he organized several churches and was al- so influential in establishing a College under the patronage of a church he founded.
After living twenty-six years in Minnesota he retired from active service and made his home in Marrietta, Ohio, with his relatives and friends. At this place he celebrated his Golden wedding. Shortly after he was bereaved of his excellent companion, and in 1880 returned to Evansville and married one of his former parishioners, Mrs. Eliz. T. Drew, who had been for many years a prominent and honored member of Walnut Street Church. There is something a little romantic and also pathetic in the union of these friends of long ago. Their home in childhood was in New Haven, Conn. The middle of their life was spent in Evans- ville, and after being widely separated for years they re- turned to the home of their younger days, and as the shades of evening seemed to gather over their pathway of life, the old time friends united their destinies, determined to cheer and encourage each other till the end of their journey, where the reward of an honest and useful life will fall to the lot of each.
The marriage of the venerable couple was celebrated at Walnut Street Church in the presence of many witnesses and warm friends, and was propably the most memorable wedding that has ever taken place there, owing to the ad- vanced age of the couple, the groom having two years passed the fourscore mile-stone, and the bride being but a few years his junior. Mr. and Mrs. Barnes now reside in Mar- rietta, Ohio, where they expect to pass their remaining days. Borne safely on the stream of time past all the storms and quicksands of life they peacefully await the summons to the haven of Heavenly rest.
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CHAPTER VII.
This history of the church would not be complete with- out mention being made of some of its prominent mem- bers. There were some of the loveliest type of Christian men and women in the church in its earliest days, that through the period of more than half a century, it has ever been the writer's privilege to know. In saying this it may also be said that the mantle of these good people has fallen on some of those who now occupy places they once filled and no greater inheritance on earth could be desired than they possess.
JUDGE WILLIAM OLMSTED. Of Honored and Blessed Memory.
His name was for many years a household word in all the families where he was known. He was one of the earli- est settlers in this country, having come here in 1817. He was an old man in 1834, and the writer can never forget the cordial greeting he gave to the new- comer to a Western home. He was an educated man, was born in the state of New York, and with his talents and piety he was a host in this new country. He was Judge of the Court, and his opin- ion on all matters of interest was sought and it had a pow- erful influence. He was an Elder in the church for many years, and he was foremost in every thing that was for the good of the community in which he lived. On coming to the country he took up a large tract of Government land on Pigeon Creek and built a primitive double log-cabin, which was always a pleasant and desirable place to visit. His wife was an old-time gentlewoman and an excellent wife, who "looketh well to the ways of her household," and the royal cheer of that hospitable home was a great attraction as well
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as the genial welcome that was extended by the old Judge to his numerous friends. His pleasant stories of early times in these Western wilds were a source of great enjoyment to his young listeners to whom he was particularly agreeable. His decendants may well be proud of their venerable ances- tor. He died in 1865.
DANIEL CHUTE,
Elder of Walnut Street Church.
"Father Chute," as he was famili- arly called, was another of the faithful who deserves to be mentioned. His daily walk and conversation was such as to make him honored and remem- bered by all who knew him.
Mr Daniel Chute was the first El- der of the church and was a man of small stature, but like Daniel of old, though not called upon to encounter a den of lions, his courage at one time was brought forth in such a way to make him ever after renowned for bravery with those who knew the circumstances in which he was placed.
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